Police learn from Prodrive

Essex police have been learning how to drive Subaru Imprezas at Prodrive's track in Warwickshire.The specialist traffic unit, nicknamed 'The Interceptors', recently took delivery of a fleet of Impreza GB270 patrol cars."It wasn't about making them faster drivers," said Prodrive chief instructor Pete Griffiths, "but rather ensuring that they could maintain control in all conditions." As part of the deal, Prodrive's instructors gave the officers lessons on dealing with 'the unique handling characteristics of four-wheel drive'.Interceptors boss Inspector Paul Moor added: "Our officers' training and driving techniques are based largely on the police Roadcraft manual. What the team at Prodrive showed was just what can be achieved in these cars through the use of driving techniques specific to the vehicles."The next stage in the process will begin when Prodrive starts training the police driving instructors.